Vehicle Registration

Alberta Vehicle Registration

Vehicles driven on public roadways in Alberta must have a valid Vehicle Registration Certificate and insurance. The registration applies to both motor vehicles (cars, trucks) and non-motor vehicles like trailers. It is important to note that the vehicle being registered must be in Alberta.

Eligibility (Who can register a vehicle?)

Individuals 18 and older can register a vehicle independently. Those under 18, not self-supporting, and not married, will need parental/guardian consent. The consenting person must sign the consent form at the registry office.

If you are staying in Alberta temporarily for less than 183 days and your vehicle is registered in another jurisdiction, you are not required to register it in Alberta.

New residents of Alberta must transfer their vehicle registration to Alberta within 90 days of moving to the province.

Registering a Vehicle on Behalf of Someone Else

If you are unable to visit a registry office, another person can apply for vehicle registration, renewal, cancellation, or transfer on your behalf. The person handling the request must bring the same requirements as listed above and

A completed Authorization for Vehicle Services form, signed by you

Their own identification (E.g. Driver’s licence / Passport)

Related Sections

Vehicle Renewal

Renew your registration online

E-Reminder

In-Transit Permit

Temporary permit to move vehicles

Registration Requirements

To register all new/used vehicles or trailers, the following is required:

Proof of ownership documents such as Bill of Sale, Lease Agreement, gift letter or probated will

Proof of valid and current Alberta Insurance (the name(s) on the insurance must be identical to the name of the buyer(s) on the Bill of Sale)

Acceptable Identification (E.g. Driver’s licence, Passport)

New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS or E-NVIS) or Certificate of Origin for new vehicles

An out-of-province, salvage, or commercial inspection certificate (if applicable)

Vehicle Import Form 1 from Canada Customs for vehicles imported from outside of Canada (if applicable)

If you are registering a used vehicle in Alberta for the first time, you may require an inspection if the vehicle was purchased outside of Alberta or is currently registered in another province. A new vehicle may be exempt from the out of province inspection requirement depending on the date of sale, mileage and where it was purchased. Please contact us to see if your new vehicle qualifies.

Vehicles imported into Canada from another country require a Vehicle Import Form obtained from Transport Canada, please see the Registrar of Imported Vehicles website for more information.

Out of Province Vehicles Registration in Alberta

All vehicles previously registered in another province, state, or country must undergo inspection by an authorized mechanic before being registered in Alberta

Steps to Register an Out-of-Province Vehicle:

Obtain an Out-of-Province Inspection Form from our registry office. You’ll need to present either your previous out-of-province registration or a Bill of Sale.

Have a certified Alberta mechanic complete the Out-of-Province Inspection.

Obtain valid and current Alberta Vehicle Insurance

Return to our office within 14 days of receiving the out-of-province inspection certificate, along with the standard registration documents

Exemption

Registered owners transferring their vehicle registrations from Saskatchewan, British Columbia, or Manitoba to Alberta may be eligible for an exemption from the out-of-province inspection. Please refer to our guide or consult with us for more information

Off-highway vehicles such as ATVs and snowmobiles, prorate commercial vehicles, and trailers do not need an out of province inspection.

More information can be found here regarding the procedures to register an imported vehicle.